PC always active on Router display

Simple answers, I hope

1. A NIC is either WOL *capable* (and uses 5vSBY) or not - in my case,
one is and one is not. If you disable WOL in the BIOS, all you are doing
is setting the system to ignore any WOL packets received - the interface
still operates normally.

2. Think of 5v standby (5vSBY) as an independent 5v PSU contained within
the PCs PSU. It operates in the same way as a wallwart.

3. Don't know why the socket is not released - it gives all the symptoms
of a latching circuit. If the connection is "straight through", as you
say, I would expect *all* WOL NICs to light the router light when the
mains supply is on at the wall plug.

4. The 5vSBY is there to allow the PC to be "woken up" without needing
to press the switch on the front of the case. All that switch does is
use the 5vSBY to trigger the full supply.

--
PeeGee

"Nothing should be able to load itself onto a computer without the
knowledge or consent of the computer user. Software should also be able
to be removed from a computer easily."
Peter Cullen, Microsoft Chief Privacy Strategist (Computing 18 Aug 05)